Chromium is a mineral that the body uses in small doses for typical body functions, like digesting food. It also helps to move glucose into cells to use as energy, as well as to turn carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. Deficient chromium levels can lead to high cholesterol, glaucoma, decreased white blood cell count, osteoporosis or nerve damage, muscle weakness and impaired coordination, numbness or tingling in the limbs, irritability and depression.